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Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.